BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

This course will:

Enable students to develop their knowledge of the aetiology of disease with its presentation, diagnosis and treatment through the study of underpinning scientific subjects and through the study of biomedical science specialist subjects

Develop scientific, intellectual and practical skills to provide graduates with the abilities to plan and carry out laboratory investigations in biomedical science and to evaluate evidence underpinning practice

Foster the development of the qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, personal responsibility and decision-making

As a biomedical scientist you will have developed a broad range of skills and knowledge which will prepare you for a career within a range of professions. Recent graduates have successfully obtained employment as biomedical scientists within a range of different pathology laboratories, as laboratory technicians in colleges and universities, and as trainee teachers. The broad range of skills can lead to careers with a wide range of employers including: the NHS, government departments, HM Armed Forces and medical sales companies. The award also provides an ideal background for graduate entry to Medical School and the NHS Scientist Training Programme. In addition, many of our graduates carry on their studies with entry onto Masters awards or PhDs.

Students completing the combined BSc/MD course will be able to complete their professional exams to allow them to practice medicine


Information for Biomedical Science/MD applicants:
Completion of the collaborative BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course and MD degree course will give you the opportunity to become a doctor. You will obtain an MD degree from the University of Health Sciences in Antigua which will give you eligibility to take the General Medical Council licensing exams, the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), to enable you to practise as a medical doctor in the UK. If you wish to practice as a doctor in the U.S. or in Canada, you will also be eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) in the U.S. and the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) in Canada.

32 UCAS Points
EE from A Levels
BTEC QCF Extended Diploma grade PPP or BTEC QCF Diploma grade PP


Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information

Your first year will provide you with a sound grounding in all basic science subjects and includes topics such as the form and function of the human body, disease biology, cell biology and genetics plus microbiology and immunology.

You will then progress to examine human physiology, molecular pathology, and the biology and investigation of disease, also undertaking practical sessions. After your second year of study, you may choose to take up an optional additional work placement year and move onto the Applied Biomedical Science route. Selection for this opportunity is highly competitive and provides an excellent opportunity for you to gain both valuable laboratory experience and complete the Institute of Biomedical Science’s Registration Training Portfolio, before continuing into your final year. Here, you will undertake a research project and also study key clinical laboratory disciplines, including cellular pathology and clinical genetics, haematology and transfusion science, clinical biochemistry and immunology, and medical microbiology.

information for Biomedical Sciece/MD applicants:
There is an opportunity to study medicine (MD degree). Our Combined Biomedical Science pathway provides you with a route to gaining a Medical Doctorate. This route gives you the opportunity to become a medical doctor.